The Minnesota Vikings waived the 13-year veteran quarterback on Thursday, giving him the opportunity to sign with another team for the stretch run in a parting coach Leslie Frazier described as mutual.

Frazier pushed for the Vikings to trade a sixth-round draft pick this summer to the Washington Redskins in exchange for McNabb. He wanted stability he believed McNabb would bring to the offense after the NFL lockout kept rookie Christian Ponder from practicing with the team or working with his coaches until training camp.

Frazier and McNabb met in 1999, when the defensive backs coach and the first-round draft pick spent their first year with the Philadelphia Eagles. Friendly to the end, Frazier wished McNabb well and said part of the reason for the move was for the player's sake.

"This was the best decision for both parties," Frazier said. "He was a great player and has been a great player for our league for a long, long time. Have a lot of affection and love for Donovan."

McNabb went 1-5 as a starter, threw for only four touchdowns and completed just five passes of 25-plus yards. Frazier said he didn't regret the trade given the situation the Vikings were in this summer, and said he believes McNabb can still play in the NFL but stopped short of saying he can be an effective starter.

"I'm not certain about that. ... A lot depends on the team he goes to, if he goes to another team," Frazier said.

As McNabb hits waivers, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Dallas (21st waiver) and Chicago (24th) could put in a claim, and Houston also is in the market for a quarterback help following a season-ending injury to Matt Schaub.

"He's been a great player in the league, but I won't speculate on anything else besides that," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "Great player in the league, great guy, but don't know anymore about it than what you're telling me now, really."

When quarterback Kyle Orton was waived by Denver in November, the three teams that put in waiver claims were Kansas City, Dallas and Chicago. Orton was awarded to the Chiefs. With Orton snapped up, the Bears signed Josh McCown as their primary backup.

If McNabb somehow clears waivers in the next 24 hours -- which isn't likely -- he would become free to sign with any team. The deadline to put in waiver claims for McNabb is 4 p.m. ET Friday. The team awarded McNabb would assume the approximately $1.6 million remaining on his contract.

"When you have a guy who has been this successful in this league, he has an idea how he wants his career to continue or not to continue. That played a role in making that decision," Frazier said.

McNabb was benched in favor of Ponder in the fourth quarter of Minnesota's game at Chicago on Oct. 16 and hasn't played since. Frazier said he was a help to Ponder and Joe Webb in their learning process and described as "awesome" his attitude over the last few weeks.

"He's been a true pro in every sense of the word," Frazier said. "He's a class guy. Always has been, and he's done a good job in spite of the fact he wasn't our starting quarterback."

Improving the teacher-student ratio at the game's most complex position is what Frazier pointed to when asked how the move benefited the Vikings. It essentially means offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave and quarterbacks Craig Johnson will have more opportunity to work with Ponder and Webb, who is in his second year. Frazier said he wasn't sure how the open roster spot would be filled, whether with another quarterback or a player at another position.

McNabb was in the locker room, seen rather innocuously asking running back Adrian Peterson to autograph a jersey. But he was gone by the time practice began and unavailable for comment.

The two spoke Wednesday about the situation, but Frazier declined to characterize the discussion as McNabb requesting his release. He said McNabb didn't mention retirement or signing with another team when they talked.

"We both agreed that this was probably going to be the best thing to do," Frazier said.

McNabb enjoyed an 11-year run as the starter in Philadelphia, going to the Super Bowl with the Eagles after the 2004 season and becoming a regular fixture in the playoffs. Only Aaron Rodgers and Neil O'Donnell have a better career ratio of interceptions to pass attempts. But after he was traded by his long-time team, McNabb had a rough year with the Redskins. He got benched there, too.

The ability to avoid turnovers turned out to be part of the problem with the Vikings. He was reluctant to throw deep, and the offense lacked life and rhythm while he was in there. Playing it safe didn't wind up helping them.

"You guys watched our games that he started," Frazier said. "There were a lot of factors contributing to our not winning ballgames. As I mentioned when I made the change, it wasn't all about Donovan. That's been proven along the way. There are a lot of other areas on our team that need to be going in the right direction in order for us to have success."

Notwithstanding cap issues, I would think that the Texans, Bears or Colts would try to grab McNabb right away.

Notwithstanding cap issues, I would think that the Texans, Bears or Colts would try to grab McNabb right away.

I don't think any team should grab him. McNabb has been nothing for the past 3 years. He's done and nobody should waste their time on him.

_________________"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." - John Adams

“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson

December 2nd, 2011, 1:32 pm

Pablo

RIP Killer

Joined: August 6th, 2004, 9:21 amPosts: 9645Location: Dallas

Re: Donovan McNabb waived by Vikings

Touchdown Jesus wrote:

LionFan57 wrote:

Notwithstanding cap issues, I would think that the Texans, Bears or Colts would try to grab McNabb right away.

I don't think any team should grab him. McNabb has been nothing for the past 3 years. He's done and nobody should waste their time on him.

McNabb is pretty good about protecting the ball, I think for a team that relies on running and defense with a shot to make the playoffs he may be better than these young QBs who will turn the ball over. Chicago is his hometown, but I think Houston given their offense is a better fit. As for the Colts, they don't need a couple of wins, they need to win the lotto once again with Luck so I would think they are out of the running.

Notwithstanding cap issues, I would think that the Texans, Bears or Colts would try to grab McNabb right away.

I don't think any team should grab him. McNabb has been nothing for the past 3 years. He's done and nobody should waste their time on him.

McNabb is pretty good about protecting the ball, I think for a team that relies on running and defense with a shot to make the playoffs he may be better than these young QBs who will turn the ball over. Chicago is his hometown, but I think Houston given their offense is a better fit. As for the Colts, they don't need a couple of wins, they need to win the lotto once again with Luck so I would think they are out of the running.

I disagree completely. In his last 3 full seasons, he had 11, 10, and 15 INTs, and fumbled 7, 10, and 10 times. He may have once been reliable to not screw up the game, but I don't think that's true any more.

_________________"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." - John Adams

“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson

December 2nd, 2011, 1:53 pm

Pablo

RIP Killer

Joined: August 6th, 2004, 9:21 amPosts: 9645Location: Dallas

Re: Donovan McNabb waived by Vikings

Touchdown Jesus wrote:

Pablo wrote:

Touchdown Jesus wrote:

LionFan57 wrote:

Notwithstanding cap issues, I would think that the Texans, Bears or Colts would try to grab McNabb right away.

I don't think any team should grab him. McNabb has been nothing for the past 3 years. He's done and nobody should waste their time on him.

McNabb is pretty good about protecting the ball, I think for a team that relies on running and defense with a shot to make the playoffs he may be better than these young QBs who will turn the ball over. Chicago is his hometown, but I think Houston given their offense is a better fit. As for the Colts, they don't need a couple of wins, they need to win the lotto once again with Luck so I would think they are out of the running.

I disagree completely. In his last 3 full seasons, he had 11, 10, and 15 INTs, and fumbled 7, 10, and 10 times. He may have once been reliable to not screw up the game, but I don't think that's true any more.

Well when you are the Bears and your QB throws 3 picks to cost you the game those numbers don't look that bad. He was terrible in Washington with a 14:15 TD/INT ratio but other than that he has been ok, even this year he was 4:2. You have to consider who you are comparing him to. I'm not a big McNabb fan, to the contrary, but who would you rather have leading your team into the playoffs? McNabb or Haine? McNabb or Yates? I would at least like McNabb as a potential replacement to either one of those.

Well when you are the Bears and your QB throws 3 picks to cost you the game those numbers don't look that bad. He was terrible in Washington with a 14:15 TD/INT ratio but other than that he has been ok, even this year he was 4:2. You have to consider who you are comparing him to. I'm not a big McNabb fan, to the contrary, but who would you rather have leading your team into the playoffs? McNabb or Haine? McNabb or Yates? I would at least like McNabb as a potential replacement to either one of those.

Fair enough. I wasn't thinking of it that way.

_________________"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." - John Adams

“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson

December 2nd, 2011, 4:44 pm

wjb21ndtown

Re: Donovan McNabb waived by Vikings

Pablo wrote:

Touchdown Jesus wrote:

Pablo wrote:

Touchdown Jesus wrote:

LionFan57 wrote:

Notwithstanding cap issues, I would think that the Texans, Bears or Colts would try to grab McNabb right away.

I don't think any team should grab him. McNabb has been nothing for the past 3 years. He's done and nobody should waste their time on him.

McNabb is pretty good about protecting the ball, I think for a team that relies on running and defense with a shot to make the playoffs he may be better than these young QBs who will turn the ball over. Chicago is his hometown, but I think Houston given their offense is a better fit. As for the Colts, they don't need a couple of wins, they need to win the lotto once again with Luck so I would think they are out of the running.

I disagree completely. In his last 3 full seasons, he had 11, 10, and 15 INTs, and fumbled 7, 10, and 10 times. He may have once been reliable to not screw up the game, but I don't think that's true any more.

Well when you are the Bears and your QB throws 3 picks to cost you the game those numbers don't look that bad. He was terrible in Washington with a 14:15 TD/INT ratio but other than that he has been ok, even this year he was 4:2. You have to consider who you are comparing him to. I'm not a big McNabb fan, to the contrary, but who would you rather have leading your team into the playoffs? McNabb or Haine? McNabb or Yates? I would at least like McNabb as a potential replacement to either one of those.

I agree Pablo. Also, if you're a competitive team that lacks any sort of reliable backup, even if you have a decent starter right now, he is worth a roster spot. I'd rather have him as my #3 Qb learning the playbook, than sitting on a couch getting soft. Even for a team like Oakland or SF I think he should be worth a look as solid depth, if nothing else. That said, he will probably end up in Chicago or Houston. The Bears do play Minny for the last game of their season. He may be worth the pickup for his knowledge alone.

No one claims Donovan McNabbPosted by Michael David Smith on December 2, 2011, 4:26 PM EST

Yesterday the Minnesota Vikings decided they didn’t want Donovan McNabb. Today 31 other teams made the same decision.

McNabb was not claimed on waivers today.

Not long ago it would have been unthinkable that no NFL team would want McNabb, but today the news doesn’t really come as a surprise: The Eagles, Redskins and Vikings have all given up on him in the last couple of years, and there’s no team that really makes sense as a good fit for him now.

McNabb now becomes an unrestricted free agent, and it’s still possible that some team might pick him up, if there’s a quarterback injury.

But it’s also quite likely that all 32 teams will continue to think that McNabb simply doesn’t give them an upgrade at quarterback. It says a lot about how far McNabb has fallen that the Bears would rather let Caleb Hanie lead them to the playoffs, and the Texans would rather let T.J. Yates lead them to the playoffs. McNabb just isn’t viewed around the league as a good quarterback anymore.

Is it just me? Or does anyone else think there is something fishy going on?

Cutler gets injured and suddenly Orton gets released. That idea fails thanks to KC. So, the next thing you know McNabb gets released. While he didn't get claimed off waivers, is there any doubt the Bears will sign him at some point? It's like other teams are trying to help the Bears.

The Orton release is the one most to my point though. It was mentioned how the Bears talked to Orton and then he requests and is granted his release? There was definitely something fishy about that whole thing.

December 4th, 2011, 2:56 pm

thelomasbrowns

Pro Bowl Player

Joined: August 24th, 2010, 9:54 pmPosts: 2539

Re: Donovan McNabb waived by Vikings

BillySims wrote:

Is it just me? Or does anyone else think there is something fishy going on?

Cutler gets injured and suddenly Orton gets released. That idea fails thanks to KC. So, the next thing you know McNabb gets released. While he didn't get claimed off waivers, is there any doubt the Bears will sign him at some point? It's like other teams are trying to help the Bears.

The Orton release is the one most to my point though. It was mentioned how the Bears talked to Orton and then he requests and is granted his release? There was definitely something fishy about that whole thing.

If we did the same, we'd lose a draft pick.

_________________Jim Caldwell, on whether Jim Harbaugh is stealing his thunder: "Me? I don't have any thunder."

December 5th, 2011, 1:42 am

m2karateman

RIP Killer

Joined: October 20th, 2004, 4:16 pmPosts: 10136Location: Where ever I'm at now

Re: Donovan McNabb waived by Vikings

thelomasbrowns wrote:

BillySims wrote:

Is it just me? Or does anyone else think there is something fishy going on?

Cutler gets injured and suddenly Orton gets released. That idea fails thanks to KC. So, the next thing you know McNabb gets released. While he didn't get claimed off waivers, is there any doubt the Bears will sign him at some point? It's like other teams are trying to help the Bears.

The Orton release is the one most to my point though. It was mentioned how the Bears talked to Orton and then he requests and is granted his release? There was definitely something fishy about that whole thing.

If we did the same, we'd lose a draft pick.

What about Rex Ryan saying he'd like Suh on his team? Why didn't that cause the Jets to get penalized?

This is exactly why I HATE Goodell. He's inconsistent as all get out.

_________________I will not put on blinders when it comes to our QBs performances.

December 5th, 2011, 10:32 am

thelomasbrowns

Pro Bowl Player

Joined: August 24th, 2010, 9:54 pmPosts: 2539

Re: Donovan McNabb waived by Vikings

m2karateman wrote:

thelomasbrowns wrote:

BillySims wrote:

Is it just me? Or does anyone else think there is something fishy going on?

Cutler gets injured and suddenly Orton gets released. That idea fails thanks to KC. So, the next thing you know McNabb gets released. While he didn't get claimed off waivers, is there any doubt the Bears will sign him at some point? It's like other teams are trying to help the Bears.

The Orton release is the one most to my point though. It was mentioned how the Bears talked to Orton and then he requests and is granted his release? There was definitely something fishy about that whole thing.

If we did the same, we'd lose a draft pick.

What about Rex Ryan saying he'd like Suh on his team? Why didn't that cause the Jets to get penalized?

This is exactly why I HATE Goodell. He's inconsistent as all get out.

And he's one of those dullards who think the solution to any problem is to simply create a new rule.

_________________Jim Caldwell, on whether Jim Harbaugh is stealing his thunder: "Me? I don't have any thunder."

Is it just me? Or does anyone else think there is something fishy going on?

Cutler gets injured and suddenly Orton gets released. That idea fails thanks to KC. So, the next thing you know McNabb gets released. While he didn't get claimed off waivers, is there any doubt the Bears will sign him at some point? It's like other teams are trying to help the Bears.

The Orton release is the one most to my point though. It was mentioned how the Bears talked to Orton and then he requests and is granted his release? There was definitely something fishy about that whole thing.

If we did the same, we'd lose a draft pick.

What about Rex Ryan saying he'd like Suh on his team? Why didn't that cause the Jets to get penalized?

This is exactly why I HATE Goodell. He's inconsistent as all get out.

And he's one of those dullards who think the solution to any problem is to simply create a new rule.

Not to mention that with every new rule, he is making it impossible to play defense in the NFL.